A reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah.

“Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares Our God.  “Therefore, thus says the Most High, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who are tending my people: You have scattered my flock and driven them away, and you have not attended to them.  Behold, I am about to attend to you for the evil of your deeds,” declares Our God.  “Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have dispersed them, and will bring them back to their own pasture, and they will be fruitful and multiply.  I will also raise up shepherds who will look after them and pasture them; and they will not be afraid or terrified any longer, nor will any be missing,” declares Our God.

Behold, the days are coming, declares the Most High, when I will raise up for Bathsheba and David a righteous branch, who will reign as a true ruler and act wisely, and do what is just and right in the land.

In those days Judah will be saved, Israel will dwell securely; this is the name on which they will call: Our God of Justice.

The Word of God recorded in the book of the prophet Jeremiah.

R: Adonai, You are my shepherd; I have no wants.

Adonai, You are my shepherd; I have no wants.

In verdant pastures You give me repose.

Beside restful waters You lead me,

You refresh my soul.

R: Adonai, You are my shepherd; I have no wants.

You guide me in right paths

for Your name’s sake.

Even though I walk in the dark valley

I fear no evil; for You are at my side

With Your rod and Your staff

that give me courage.

R: Adonai, You are my shepherd; I have no wants.

You spread the table before me

in the sight of my foes;

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

R: Adonai, You are my shepherd; I have no wants.

Only goodness and kindness follow me

all the days of my life;

And I will dwell in Your house

for years to come.

R: Adonai, You are my shepherd; I have no wants.